Producer Michael G. Wilson says he would love Daniel
Craig to break records and make eight James Bond
films...

Producers Eye Craig Record Tenure

18th December 2011

As with any James Bond actor post "Diamonds
Are Forever",
Daniel Craig was understood
to have been offered the standard contract of 'three films
plus the option of a fourth' (meaning
the actor has first refusal on a fourth movie). This was rumoured
to have been re-negotiated
after the record-breaking success of "Casino
Royale", taking him up to Bond 25. Now, on his third outing
as 007 with "Skyfall" (Bond
23) filming underway, producer Michael G. Wilson has told The
People newspaper
that he would love for him to become the longest running actor
in the role - a record currently held by Sir Roger Moore with
seven official films.

"Daniel’s been a terrific Bond,
a superb actor and a terrific man. The fans love him and
I don’t
think there’s a better actor to play the part," Wilson
told the paper at last Monday’s premiere of 'The
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'.

On the subject of extending
Craig's contract, he said: "It’s certainly something
we’ll be discussing with him once we finish shooting
Skyfall."

"Filming has gone very well so far and I’d
love Daniel to surpass Roger’s record and do eight
pictures. Daniel’s been an absolute pleasure to be
around because he takes the role so seriously. There’s
really no one more passionate about making these films
work than him – he’s a film maker’s dream."

"A
lot of people have said Daniel’s been their favourite
Bond since Sean Connery and I can’t argue with them.
He’s doing a great job."

MGM and Sony are already penciling
in Bond 24, which
would be Craig's fourth movie, for the Holiday 2014 season,
leaving a two year gap between films. Assuming the most
aggressive schedule with no hold ups, that could see Bond
25 in 2016, Bond 26 in 2018, Bond 27 in 2020 and what could
be his eighth - Bond 28 - in 2022 when Craig would be 54
years old.

Above: Producer Michael G. Wilson at the "Skyfall" London
press conference last month.

In comparison to other actors, Pierce
Brosnan departed the film
series at age 51, Timothy Dalton was
allowed to leave his contract early due the protracted six year
legal hiatus after appearing
in "Licence To Kill" at
age 43, Roger
Moore bowed out
age 58 (he is older than Sean
Connery despite starring later
in the series), and Connery wrapped "Diamonds Are Forever" at
age 41. He returned for the rogue production "Never
Say Never Again" aged 53.

Craig himself has said that he is happy to continue
in the role as long as he feels physically fit enough and the
quality of
the films hold up. Perhaps more than any other actor in the role
before him, Craig has also had the opportunity to star in high-profile
movies between 007 duties. He is understood to be earning £8
million for "Skyfall".

On the subject of the new film, Wilson
said, "The
director Sam Mendes and Daniel are taking it back to a 60s feel – more
Sean. I think that’s what the fans wanted. There’s
a magical "Goldfinger" feel
surrounding it all. It’s
all very exciting. I can’t wait for people to see the movie
because I think we’re making a very special Bond."

The film will also mark the 50th anniversary
of the franchise, which kicked off with "Dr
No" back in 1962. Talking
about the celebrations, Wilson revealed, “We’d really
like to get all six [Bond actors] together. We’re trying
to find a way for fans to celebrate with us because they’ve
been the reason the Bond films have been the success they have.”

One plan is to open up Pinewood Studios. Wilson said: “We’re
looking at ways to show off sets from the latest film, as well
as props and perhaps give movie master classes for film fans.
At the moment these are just ideas so you’ll have to wait
and see. Whatever happens it will be a special year for Bond
fans.”